Asbury Park Beach
The oceanfront in Asbury Park has drawn surfers, sunbathers, and people-watchers for centuries. The boardwalk is great for a walk, run, or a stroll with the family.
These storied 19th-century resort towns hit hard times in the 1970s, but now they’re matching each other stride for stride in beach badge sales and hotel occupancy. You’ll be glad you read this!
Enjoy the Beach
Asbury Park’s remarkable turnaround from a faded beach town into one of the most exciting seaside destinations in the state has been nothing short of amazing. Located about an hour from NYC and Philadelphia, Asbury Park’s clean beaches, family attractions, happening restaurants, bars, places of lodging, and boutique stores are the foundation for an exciting vacation experience.
With more than a mile of beach to spread out on, it’s easy to find a spot for lounging, swimming, and building sandcastles. But it’s this convenience that can lead to overcrowding on busy summer days, so be sure to get to the beach early to stake out a spot! Beach passes are required during the summer, so don’t forget to pick up yours before you hit the sand.
Explore the Boardwalk
Located just 60 miles from Manhattan, Asbury Park Beach is an ideal summer getaway. Aside from the endless sand and great surfing, this shore town is home to unique shops, eclectic restaurants with beautiful views, and a restored Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall.
You can also take in a play or concert at the historic Paramount Theatre or check out the arts scene at the Wooden Walls Project, which has garnered respect and attention in the national art scene. Kids can get their wheels spinning on the Asbury Park Pedal Boats, or perhaps have their future told at Madam Marie’s Temple of Knowledge (made famous in a Springsteen song). If all that cultural activity makes you hungry, you’ll be happy to find Cookman Creamery serves up some pretty incredible ice cream. Browse around this site.
Shop & Dine
After a long, bumpy road to resurgence, the boardwalk and downtown have become a hub for unique shopping and dining experiences. The shops are filled with everything from locally owned vintage clothing stores to handcrafted art. The restaurants are just as impressive, with offerings that go way beyond standard Jersey Shore fare. Look for Korean fusion tacos, a massive beer garden, sustainable Mexican cuisine, and raw bars in this seaside town that’s all about creativity.
The locals here love to share their talents with visitors. A stroll through town could reveal a drag queen bingo party or an impromptu drum circle on the beach. The town’s newest attraction is the ShowRoom, a multipurpose venue for live music and cultural events. Shop for sweet Asbury Park souvenirs like Tillie and other classic icons on t-shirts, totes, and stickers/pins.
Experience the Culture
In addition to the mile-long beach, Asbury Park is also a cultural destination with an array of fun things to do. Whether you want to grab margaritas on the deck of a trendy restaurant or shop for a new summer wardrobe, there is something to suit everyone.
The city’s history as an entertainment hub is evident at places like the iconic Stone Pony, where legendary local musicians have played from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes to Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. Music lovers can still catch shows at the renowned club today.
Art fans can check out the Wooden Walls Mural Project and galleries like Whitepoint, which curates contemporary work from regional artists. If you’re looking to buy a piece of the shore, stop by a shop like Interwoven where designers like Rachel Comey and Clare Vivier can be found alongside exclusive Asbury Park merch. Browse around this site to check more places to visit.
Get Involved
In addition to the usual beach activities, there’s a thriving arts and music scene in Asbury Park. Residents can catch concerts at the longstanding music club that launched the career of Bruce Springsteen, The Stone Pony.
Located about an hour from Manhattan and Philadelphia, Asbury Park has a mix of trendy restaurants, bars, places of lodging, and shops. You can find many of these within beautiful old buildings that have been restored to their original splendor.
A popular destination all year round, Asbury Park offers a lot to see and do. Check the events calendar for upcoming activities, like the annual Fourth of July parade or the three-day Oysterfest food festival. The City also hosts several annual community events, including the Jersey Gay Pride parade. Next blog post.
Driving directions from Clearview Washing to Asbury Park Beach
Driving directions from Asbury Park Beach to Monmouth Park
